Insulated ductwork products

ABSTRACT

An intermediate insulating product ( 20 ) is disclosed comprising a planar insulating layer ( 11 ) having a top side in to which is formed a plurality of parallel channels ( 14 ) having cross-sections with tapered sides. A vapour proof layer ( 18 ) is applied to the top surface after the channels ( 14 ) have been formed such that the vapour proof layer ( 18 ) bridges the plurality of parallel channels ( 14 ). The intermediate insulating product ( 20 ) is then bent with mechanical manipulation in regions adjacent the bottom of the channels ( 14 ) thereby causing the channels ( 14 ) to close to form a non-planar, derivative insulated ductwork product ( 30 ) and the vapour proof layer ( 18 ) forms a vapour proof inner lining to the derivative insulated ductwork product ( 30 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to insulated ductwork products and, inparticular, to an intermediate insulating product from which can beformed a derivative insulated ductwork product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pre-formed insulated ductwork products for carrying gasses in, forexample, air conditioning systems and are used throughout the buildingand construction industry particularly due to their relatively fastspeed of erection and relatively low cost compared to metal or plasticpipe work that must be subsequently lagged. An example of suchpre-formed insulated ductwork is shown in UK Patent Publication numberGB1,137,121 to Lo-Dense Fixings (Rugby) Limited which disclosesproviding longitudinal channels in a plastics foam material with abacking material which can be folded into a square or a circular crosssectioned insulated ducting. Other examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,148,867 which also discloses providing longitudinal channels in afibrous and/or cellular foam insulation material with a moisture facingouter material which can be folded into a circular cross sectionedinsulated ducting. Other broadly similar systems are disclosed inInternational Patent Publication number WO8504922 and Dutch PatentPublication number NL7502320.

However, such conventional systems suffer from the disadvantage thatthey cannot be used for ducting liquid as the liquid can ruin theinsulating material. Furthermore, the open nature of the insulationmaterial to the airflow passing through the ducting can mean thatbugs/diseases etc. are more likely to be able to survive and colonise inthe shelter of the insulation joints, thus causing an increased healthrisk. Moreover, the open nature of the insulation material can also meanthat dust from the insulation material could become airborne into theair passing along the throughbore, again causing an increased healthrisk.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an intermediate insulating product comprising a planarinsulating layer having a resulting innermost surface in to which isformed a plurality of parallel channels; wherein the channels comprisecross-sections with tapered sides; further comprising a vapour prooflayer applied to the resulting innermost surface such that the vapourproof layer bridges the plurality of parallel channels; and wherein,with subsequent mechanical manipulation, the intermediate insulatingproduct can be bent in regions adjacent the bottom of the channels,thereby causing the channels to substantially close to form anon-planar, derivative insulated ductwork product having an innerthroughbore and the vapour proof layer forms a vapour proof inner liningto the derivative insulated product; characterised by the vapour prooflayer comprising a sealing means to substantially seal the innerthroughbore with respect to the outside of the derivative insulatedductwork product.

The present invention provides a planar intermediate insulating productwhich can be formed into a non-planar, derivative insulated ductworkproduct. The derivative insulated ductwork product is typically ofsufficient strength such that it can be installed to provide a fluidconduit such as an air conditioning conduit of itself and therebyobviates the time consuming and expensive conventional requirement formetal ductwork to be applied with insulation such as that shown in U.S.Pat. No. 6,000,437.

Importantly, the taper enables up to the substantial entirety of thesides of the channels (as existing in the intermediate insulatingproduct) to contact each other when formed into the derivative insulatedproduct, thereby ensuring integrity of the insulation in the derivativeinsulation product.

Typically, a continuous protective layer is provided on the bottom sideof the insulating layer.

Typically, a protective layer is provided on the top side of the planarinsulating layer prior to forming the channels, said protective layeradapted to reduce flaking or chipping of the planar insulating layer.

The channels are preferably formed by routing and optionally, thechannels may be at least partially filled with a sealant and/or anadhesive.

The cumulative internal angles of the channels are typically arrangedsuch that it is possible to bend the intermediate insulating product soas to form the derivative insulated ductwork product with a completepolygon cross-section.

Preferably, the sealing means comprises a flap member provided at oneend of the vapour proof layer and which is arranged to overlap the otherend of the vapour proof layer when the intermediate insulating producthas been bent to form the non-planar, derivative insulated product suchthat the vapour proof layer extends greater than 360 degrees around theinner throughbore. Moreover, the vapour proof layer is preferablysubstantially the same width as the resulting innermost surface of theplanar insulating layer to which it is applied, and has a longer lengththan the resulting innermost surface of the planar insulating layer suchthat the flap member projects past one end of the planar insulatinglayer. Typically, the flap member is integral with and forms anextension of the rest of the vapour proof layer.

The vapour proof layer preferably comprises a laminated vapour proofbarrier and more preferably comprises a laminated foil vapour proofbarrier formed from a number of layered sheets.

Typically, the vapour proof layer comprises a securing means formed onit's resulting outermost surface and which is adapted to secure thevapour proof layer to the said resulting innermost surface of the planarinsulating layer. Preferably, the securing means comprises a selfadhesive formed on the resulting innermost surface of the vapour prooflayer and more preferably the self adhesive comprises a pressuresensitive adhesive pre-applied to the resulting outermost surface of thevapour proof layer.

Preferably, a further vapour proof layer is applied to the bottomsurface of the planar insulating layer such that the said further vapourproof layer forms an outer vapour proof protective barrier to thederivative insulated product. Preferably, a further securing means isprovided between the further vapour proof layer and the said bottomsurface, and the said further securing means preferably comprises anadhesive means initially provided on the inner most surface of thefurther vapour proof layer.

The planar insulating layer comprises a substantially rigid material,and more preferably comprises a rigid phenolic foam.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is alsoprovided a derivative insulated ductwork product formed from anintermediate insulating product according to the first aspect of thepresent invention by mechanical manipulation of the intermediateinsulating product thereof to bend it in regions adjacent the bottom ofthe channels, thereby causing the channels to close to form thenon-planar, derivative insulated ductwork product.

Typically, a complete polygon cross-section is formed from anintermediate insulating product with cumulative internal angles of thechannels such that it was possible to bend the intermediate insulatingproduct so as to form a complete polygonal cross-section.

Preferably, the derivative insulated ductwork product is secured along ajoining edge by a strip of adhesive tape applied along the joining edgesof what was the intermediate insulation product.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is alsoprovided a section of ductwork product formed from an intermediateinsulating product according to the first aspect of the presentinvention by mechanical manipulation of the intermediate insulatingproduct thereof to bend it in regions adjacent the bottom of thechannels, thereby causing the channels to close to form the non-planar,derivative insulated ductwork product.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is alsoprovided a connecting means for connecting a first section of ductworkin accordance with the third aspect of the present invention to a secondsection of ductwork in accordance with the third aspect of the presentinvention, the connecting means comprising:

-   -   a first fitting member having an open end for accepting an end        of the first section of ductwork;    -   wherein the other end of the first fitting member is connected        to a side of a flange member which projects outwardly from the        first fitting member; and    -   a second fitting member having an open end for accepting an end        of the second section of ductwork; wherein    -   the other end of the second fitting member is connected to a        side of a flange member which projects outwardly from the second        fitting member;    -   and an internal throughbore which provides a sealed passageway        for fluid to travel from a throughbore of the first ductwork,        through said internal throughbore and into a throughbore of the        second ductwork.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is alsoprovided a ductwork system comprising two or more sections of ductworkin accordance with the third aspect of the present invention and one ormore connecting devices, the connecting devices comprising:

-   -   a first fitting member having an open end for accepting an end        of the first section of ductwork;    -   wherein the other end of the first fitting member is connected        to a side of a first flange member which projects outwardly from        the first fitting member; and    -   a second fitting member having an open end for accepting an end        of the second section of ductwork; wherein    -   the other end of the second fitting member is connected to a        side of a second flange member which projects outwardly from the        second fitting member;    -   and an internal throughbore which provides a sealed passageway        for fluid to travel from a throughbore of the first ductwork,        through said internal throughbore and into a throughbore of the        second ductwork.

Preferably, the first and second fitting members comprise respectivefirst and second annular rings.

Typically, the first and second annular rings each comprise asubstantially constant inner diameter and a substantially constant outerdiameter.

Preferably, the said flange member(s) project radially outwardly fromthe respective first and second fitting members.

The outer diameter of the respective first and second fitting memberpreferably contacts the inner diameter of the respective ductwork andthe said one face of the flange member is arranged into butting contactwith the end of the respective ductwork.

The first and second fitting members preferably further comprise asecuring means which acts between the fitting members and the respectiveductwork to prevent separation of the ductwork from the fitting memberin a direction away from the flange member.

The securing means preferably comprise one or more barb member(s) whichpoint in a direction toward the respective flange member.

The first and second fitting members may each comprise the same outerdiameter. Alternatively, the first and second fitting members may eachcomprise different outer diameters.

Preferably, the flange member projects outwardly from the first andsecond fitting member by a distance substantially equal to the sidewallthickness of the ducting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A to 1F are sections illustrating the formation of a derivateinsulated product from an intermediate insulation product, in accordancewith the first, second and third aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are sections illustrating alternative channelcross-sections of an intermediate insulation product in accordance withthe first, second and third aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 3A is a side view of a connector in accordance with a fourth aspectof the present invention for connecting two derivative insulatedductwork products in accordance with the first, second and third aspectsof the present invention where both ductworks have the same internaldiameter;

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional side view through one half of the connectorof FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the connector at FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a side view of another embodiment of a connector inaccordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention forconnecting two ductworks having the same internal diameter together butat a 45° angle to one another in order to create a 45° bend;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the connector at FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a side view of another embodiment of a connector inaccordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention forconnecting two ductworks having the same internal diameter together butat a 30° angle to one another in order to create a 30° bend;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the connector at FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a connector in accordance with the fourthaspect of the present invention for connecting one ductwork having alarger internal diameter to another ductwork having a smaller internaldiameter;

FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view through the lower half of theconnector at FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a side view of a slightly different embodiment of theconnector shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D is a first perspective side view of the connector shown in FIG.6C;

FIG. 6E is another perspective side view of the connector shown in FIG.6C;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a connector in accordance with the fourthaspect of the present invention to break into a square section ofductwork to provide a branch of another section of ductwork;

FIG. 7B is an end view of the connector shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is another embodiment of a connector in accordance with a fourthaspect of the present invention for connecting a relatively largecircular ductwork to a relatively small diameter circular ductwork;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the connector shown in FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of a connector in accordance with the fourthaspect of the present invention to break into a circular section ofductwork to provide a branch of another section of ductwork.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A is a section through a planar slab of insulating product 10. Theproduct 10 has a “sandwich” construction with a core 11 of rigidphenolic insulating foam having a topside protective layer 12 and abottomside protective layer 13, both layers 12 and 13 being in the formof an aluminum foil or fibre glass scrim layer 12, 13. Such a product 10may be commercially sourced, for example, such foam slabs are, at thetime of writing, available from Kingspan Insulation Limited ofHerefordshire in the UK in standard sizes of 1200 mm×2950 mm and 1000mm×2950 mm and are typically either 22 mm or 33 mm thick. Alternativecore insulating material 11 could also be used such as apolyisocyanurate or a polyurethane.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the planer slab 10 is formed into an intermediateinsulation product 20 according to the first aspect of the presentinvention by firstly providing the slab 10 with a series of parallel,“V” shaped channels 14 formed therein and with the edges of slabchamfered 15, 15′ at the same angle as the sides of the channels 14.

Such channels 14 and chamfers 15, 15′ may be formed in the slab 10 by aCNC router with a V shaped router bit. Where this is the case, theprotective layer of material 12 may offer some protection to the core 11against chipping or flaking during the routing, especially where thecore 11 is made of a brittle insulator.

The cumulative sums of the internal angles of the all channels and theangle subtended between both chamfers 15, 15, is approximately 360°.

FIG. 1B shows the intermediate insulation product 20 with optionaladhesive sealant 16 deposited in the bases of the channels 14.

The next step in forming an intermediate insulating product inaccordance with the first aspect of the present invention is to apply avapour barrier 18, having a securing means in the form of self adhesive18A provided on its underside, to the upper and interrupted surface ofthe product 10 such that the adhesive 18A secures the vapour barrier 18to the upper surface 12 of the core 11 such that the vapour barrier 18spans across all of the channels 14. The vapour barrier 18 is preferablya laminated foil vapour barrier 18 and the adhesive 18A is preferably apressure sensitive adhesive, which is pre-applied to the underside ofthe laminated foil barrier 18. Such a self-adhesive vapour barrier 18can be commercially sourced. For example, the preferred vapour barrier18 is a five ply laminated aluminum foil vapour barrier available fromVenture Tape® of Northants, UK sold under the trade name VentureClad1577CW®. Alternative vapour barriers could also be used such aspolythene and a suitable example of such a polythene is Duponts'chlorosulfonated polyethylene products marketed as Hypalon®.

Optionally, where the ductwork 30 is to be used in external applications(e.g. on the outside of buildings, factories, oil rigs etc.), a furtherouter layer (not shown) is preferably attached to the bottomside on theouter surface of the aluminum foil surface 13. Preferably, such afurther outer layer is also vapour proof to enable the ductwork 30 to beweather proof. The vapour outer layer is preferably again a laminatedfoil vapour barrier provided with a pre-applied pressure sensitiveadhesive and such a self-adhesive vapour barrier can be commerciallysourced and is more preferably a five ply laminated aluminum foil vapourbarrier available from Venture Tape® of Northants, UK sold under thetrade name VentureClad 1577CW®.

This results in the formation of the intermediate insulating product 20.

Thereafter and as illustrated in FIGS. 1D, 1E and 1F, the intermediateinsulation product 20 (with optional adhesive sealant 16) may be rolledup with appropriate mechanical manipulation or by hand whereupon thecontinuous areas 17 of core 11 deform, enabling the channels 14 to closeand a polygonal shaped insulated product 30 to be formed as shown inFIG. 1E. Thus, a derivative insulated product 30 is then formed whichcan be used as a ductwork 30 to carry fluid such as air in for examplean air conditioning system for a building.

The adhesive sealant 16 if present ensures a tight and permanent sealbetween the edges of the channels 14. Surplus adhesive sealant ifpresent, egresses from the closed channels 14 and solidifies at theinternal edge of the join between the channels 14.

Moreover, and as can be best seen in FIG. 1F, when the intermediateinsulating product 20 with vapour barrier 18 attached is rolled up, thesection of the inner lining 18C which bridges the channels 14 willnaturally be moved into the channels 14 and thereby form a seal over thechannels 14. The width of the vapour barrier 18 typically equals thewidth of the intermediate insulating product 20 although as can be seenin FIG. 1C the length of the vapour barrier 18 is greater than thelength of the intermediate insulating product 20 such that a flap member18′ is provided at one end of the intermediate insulating product 20.Furthermore, when the intermediate insulating product 20 has been fullyrolled up to form the ductwork 30, the entire inner throughbore 40 ofthe ductwork 30 can be sealed with respect to the outside of theductwork 30 by pressing the inner lining flap 18′ (as seen in FIG. 1C asbeing provided at one end of the vapour barrier 18) with a suitablesmooth edged hand tool or machine tool to seal the flap 18′ against theother end of the vapour barrier 18. Accordingly, the flap 18′ (which isintegral with the rest of the vapour barrier 18) provides an overlapwith the other end of the vapour barrier 18 when the intermediateinsulating product has been bent to form the ductwork 30 such that thevapour barrier 18 extends greater than 360 degrees around the innerthroughbore.

Consequently, the ductwork 30 can be used to carry liquids and/orprovides a sealed throughbore 40 such that the risk of any air bornbugs/diseases finding shelter to grow is substantially reduced.

Alternatively, and/or additionally, the vapour barrier 18 can beprovided with a self cleaning and/or anti-bacterial surface coating andsuch a surface coating is commercially available from Cytack UK Limitedand/or the vapour barrier 18 can be formed of a vinyl base with such ananti-bacterial and/or self cleaning layer applied.

Alternatively and preferably, the vapour barrier 18 may be pressed intothe channels 14 (when it is applied to the upper surface of the planerproduct 10 to form the intermediate product 20) by a suitable tool suchas a “V” shaped smooth edged hand tool (not shown) such that in theregion of 5 mm of vapour barrier 18 is stuck to each channel 14.

The longitudinal edges of the intermediate insulation product 20 whichhave been pushed together are held in place by an adhesive strip 19 oflaminated foil vapour barrier. Ideally, this strip 19 is the samematerial as the laminated foil vapour barrier 13 already applied to theunderside of the core slab 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1A and now on theperiphery of the formed polygon shaped derivative insulated product orductwork 30 as illustrated in FIG. 1E.

Optionally and additionally bands such as bands of tape or aluminum orplastic bands could be provided around the outer circumference of thederivative insulting product/ductwork 30 to provide additional strengthin order to keep the edges (of the intermediate insulation product 20)together and thereby the polygon shape of the ductwork 30.

The channels are shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C as perfect V shaped channels.However, embodiments of the present invention are much more preferablyprovided with the alternative channel cross-sections illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIG. 2A, the base of a channel 14 is shown with asmall, flat section 120 and in FIG. 2B, it is curved 121. Also, thedepth of the channels 14 could be varied depending on the strength ofthe insulating product core 11 and/or the thickness of the materialand/or the elasticity of the bottomside protective layer 13 should itneed to expand to accommodate deformation for the insulating productcore 11. Conceivably, the base of the channel 14 could extend to thebottomside protective layer 13 where there would then be no deformationof the insulating core 11 as such, just flexing of the supportingbottomside protective layer 13.

In the above example, it is stated that the cumulative sums of theinternal angles of the channels 14 and the angle subtended between bothchamfers 15, 15′ is approximately 360®. However, because the adhesivesealant 18 may partially fill the channel 14 such that the edges of thechannel do not fully meet, a complete and structurally sound polygon 30can be created when the cumulative sum of angles of the channels 14 andthe angle subtended between both chamfers 15, 15′ exceeds 360°

Conversely, the edges of the channels 14, may deform when pushedtogether, enabling a complete polygon 30 to be created when thecumulative sum of angles of the channels 14 and the angle subtendedbetween both chamfers 15, 15′ is less than 360°.

In the above example, the taper of the channels 14 is uniform. This neednot be the case and indeed appropriate selection of tapers could beused, for example, to provide a polygon shaped derivative insulatedducting product 30 with a degree of eccentricity (e.g. approximating anellipse). For example, the resulting insulating product/ductwork 30 neednot be circular but could be, for example, an oval shape havingflattened sides to provide a flat oval ductwork (not shown) by leavingthe upper and lower flat sections of the ductwork 30 without channels14.

Also in the above example, the insulating core 11 is shown with twoinitial protective layers 12, 13. However, the principle of the presentinvention applies equally to insulator cores 11 with a single protectivelayer 13 or indeed no protective layer.

Furthermore, whilst the shape of the derivative insulated product 30described is polygonal, the more channels 14 use to form a polygon, themore it will approximate a circle, especially if the deformation of thecore 11 at the base 17 of the channel 14 smoothes the periphery of thepolygon.

Typically, the ductwork 30 would be supplied to its site of installation(e.g. a building site) from a factory pre-rolled and as shown in FIG. 1Esuch that it is ready to be installed on site. In order to aidinstallation on site and also to ensure that individual ductwork 30sections can be joined together in a sealed manner, a number ofconnectors in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present inventionare also provided and are shown in FIGS. 3-8.

The first embodiment of a connector 200 is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C.The connector 200 comprises an annular ring 210 having a constant innerdiameter and being provided with an outwardly extending flange shoulder220 which projects radially outwardly from the mid point of the annularring 210. An outwardly and rearwardly projecting gripping means in theform of a pointed rib or barb 230L, 230R is also provided on each sideof the flange ring 220 where the barb 230L, 230R has a sharpened outerpoint which is pointed in the direction of the flange ring 220. Theconnector 200 is preferably formed of a rigid plastic material such as aClass O (fire resistant) plastic material but it could be formed fromother suitable materials and this could be a metal such as galvanisedsheet, aluminum sheet, stainless steel, aluminised steel etc., dependingupon the end use of the ductwork 30.

In use, a left hand section of ductwork 30 is pushed on to the left handpart 210L of the annular ring 210 where the outer diameter of theannular ring 210 is chosen such that it is a close fit with the innerdiameter of the ductwork 30. The ductwork 30 is pushed on to theconnector 200 until the end of the ductwork 30 butts against the lefthand face of the flange should 220 and the barb 230L projects into andthereby grips the inner diameter of the ductwork 30. The angle of thebarb 230L is such that it prevents the ductwork 30 from backing off theconnector 200. An end of an other ductwork 30 is pushed on to the otherend 210R of the connector 200 and the radius of the flange 220 is chosensuch that it has the same diameter as the outer surface of both sectionsof ductwork 30 such that a flushed outer joint is provided between thetwo ends of the ductworks 30 and the flange 220. A suitable adhesive,such as a mastic, can be applied between the connector 200 and the innercircumference of the ductwork 30 if desired, in order to increase theconnection between the two. The two ductworks 30 can then be sealedtogether by applying tape around the outer circumference of the jointsuch that the tape seals over the joint created between the flange 220and the two ends of the ductwork 30.

The ductwork 30 can be cut on site to suit the length required.

Various other connectors are shown in the drawings. FIG. 4A shows aconnector broadly similar to the connector 200 but formed with a 45°bend between the left hand 310L and right hand 310R sides of the annularring 310. Bards 330L and 330R are also provided and point towards theflange ring 320 and serve the same purpose as the barbs 230L, 230R andflange ring 220 as described for the connector 200. Moreover, twoconnectors 300 can be used with a short length of ducting 30 therebetween to form a 90° bend in a long length of duct tape 30.

FIG. 5A shows another embodiment of connector which is broadly similarto the connector 300 of FIGS. 4A and B where like components in theconnector 500 have been indicated with a numeral prefix 5 instead ofnumeral pre-fix 3. The main difference between the connector 300 and 500is that the connector 500 has a 30° angle between the two sides 510L and510R and thus three connectors 500 could be used together with shortlengths of ductwork 30 between them in order to make a 90° bend in along length of a plurality of ductwork sections 30 connected in series.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a broadly similar connector 600 to the connector200 of FIG. 3A to 3C where like components have been marked with thereference numeral prefix 6 instead of the reference numeral prefix 2.

However, there is a difference in the connector 600 in that the righthand side annual ring 610 R is smaller in diameter than the left handside annular 61OR in order that the connector 600 can be used to connecttwo ductworks 30 having different diameters together.

FIGS. 6C, 6D and 6E show a very similar connector 600 to that of FIGS.6A and 6B where the only difference between them is that the connector600 in FIGS. 6C and 6E has two barbs 630L and 630L′ on the left handannular ring 610L and also has two barbs 630R, 630R′ on the right handannular ring 61OR in order to increase the gripping force between theconnector 600 and the ductworks 30.

The connector 800 shown in FIG. 8A is broadly similar to the connector700 and like components have the prefix 8 instead of the prefix 7.However, the connector 800 has a circular cross section at each end 810Land 81OR but which are again separated by a tapered transitionaldiameter section 810M.

The connector 900 in FIG. 9 is somewhat different from the otherconnectors in that the left hand side 910L comprises a concave end faceand is intended to be inserted into an aperture cut into the side wallof a length of circular ductwork 30 such that the end 910L provides theability to cut into longitudinal lengths of circular ductwork 30. FIGS.7A and 7B show another form of connector 700 which is broadly similar tothe connector 900 shown in FIG. 9 where like components have the prefix7 instead of the prefix 9. However, the connector 700 has a left handannular ring 710L which has a flat end face and is oval in crosssection, and the right hand side of the flange ring 720L is connected toa tapered transitional diameter section 710M which reduces in diameterfrom the left hand to the right hand side until it joins the left handside of the flange ring 720R. The flat end face of the left hand annularring 710L is arranged to be inserted into a like-shaped aperture cutinto the planar sidewall of a rectangular section of ductwork 30.

In all cases, tape is wound around the joints created by the connectorssuch that the connectors are sealed with respect to the ductwork lengths30, and a preferred tape will match the external coating of the ductwork30. For example, if the ductwork 30 is supplied with the additionalvapour proof outer layer, the tape 18 can comprise the same material asthe additional layer (since it is preferably self adhesive). However, ifthe ductwork 30 is supplied without the additional vapour proof outerlayer, the tape 18 can comprise any other suitable tape such asreinforced Aluminum foil tape available from Kingspan Insulation Limitedof Herefordshire in the UK under product number 1524.

Modifications and improvements to the embodiments of the presentinventions described herein may be made by those persons skilled in therelevant art without departing from the scope of the invention.

1. An intermediate insulating product comprising a planar insulatinglayer having a resulting innermost surface in to which is formed aplurality of parallel channels; wherein the channels comprisecross-sections with tapered sides; further comprising a vapour prooflayer applied to the resulting innermost surface such that the vapourproof layer bridges the plurality of parallel channels; and wherein,with subsequent mechanical manipulation, the intermediate insulatingproduct can be bent in regions adjacent the bottom of the channels,thereby causing the channels to substantially close to form anon-planar, derivative insulated ductwork product having an innerthroughbore and the vapour proof layer forms a vapour proof inner liningto the derivative insulated product; wherein the vapour proof layercomprising a sealing means to substantially seal the inner throughborewith respect to the outside of the derivative insulated product.
 2. Anintermediate insulating product as claimed in claim 1 wherein acontinuous protective layer is provided on a resulting outermost surfaceof the insulating layer.
 3. An intermediate insulating product asclaimed in claim 1 wherein a protective layer is provided on theresulting innermost surface of the planar insulating layer prior toforming the channels, said protective layer adapted to reduce flaking orchipping of the planar insulating layer.
 4. An intermediate insulatingproduct as claimed in claim 3 wherein the channels are formed byrouting.
 5. An intermediate insulating product according to claim 1wherein the channels are at least partially filled with one of or both asealant and an adhesive.
 6. An intermediate insulating product accordingto claim 1 wherein the cumulative internal angles of the channels aresuch that it is possible to bend the intermediate insulating product soas to form the derivative insulated product with a complete polygoncross-section.
 7. An intermediate insulating product according to claim1, wherein the planar insulating layer comprises a substantially rigidmaterial.
 8. An intermediate insulating product according to claim 7,wherein the substantially rigid material comprises rigid phenolic foam.9. An intermediate insulating product according to claim 1, wherein thesealing means comprises a flap member provided at one end of the vapourproof layer and which is arranged to overlap the other end of the vapourproof layer when the intermediate insulating product has been bent toform the non-planar, derivative insulated ductwork product such that thevapour proof layer extends greater than 360 degrees around the innerthroughbore.
 10. An intermediate insulating product according to claim9, wherein the flap member is integral with and forms an extension ofthe rest of the vapour proof layer.
 11. An intermediate insulatingproduct according to claim 1, wherein the vapour proof layer issubstantially the same width as the resulting innermost surface of theplanar insulating layer to which it is applied, and has a longer lengththan the resulting innermost surface of the planar insulating layer suchthat the flap member projects past one end of the planar insulatinglayer.
 12. An intermediate insulating product according to claim 1,wherein the vapour proof layer comprises a laminated vapour proofbarrier.
 13. An intermediate insulating product according to claim 12,wherein the vapour proof barrier comprises a laminated foil vapour proofbarrier formed from a number of layered sheets.
 14. An intermediateinsulating product according to claim 1, wherein the vapour proof layercomprises a securing component formed on a resulting outermost surfaceof the vapour proof layer and which is adapted to secure the vapourproof layer to the said resulting innermost surface of the planarinsulating layer.
 15. An intermediate insulating product according toclaim 14, wherein the securing component comprises a self adhesiveformed on the resulting innermost surface of the vapour proof layer. 16.An intermediate insulating product according to claim 15, wherein theself-adhesive comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive pre-applied to theresulting outermost surface of the vapour proof layer.
 17. Anintermediate insulating product according to claim 1, wherein a furthervapour proof layer is applied to a resulting outermost surface of theplanar insulating layer such that the said further vapour proof layerforms an outer vapour proof protective barrier to the derivativeinsulated product.
 18. An intermediate insulating product according toclaim 17, wherein a further securing component is provided between thefurther vapour proof layer and the said outermost surface.
 19. Anintermediate insulating product according to claim 18, wherein the saidfurther securing component comprises an adhesive component initiallyprovided on the inner most surface of the further vapour proof layer.20. A derivative insulated ductwork product formed from an intermediateinsulating product according to claim 1 by mechanical manipulation ofthe intermediate insulating product thereof to bend it the intermediateinsulating product in regions adjacent the bottom of the channels,thereby causing the channels to close to form the non-planar, derivativeinsulated ductwork product.
 21. A derivative insulated ductwork productas claimed in claim 20 with a complete polygon cross-section having beenformed from an intermediate insulating product with cumulative internalangles of the channels such that it was possible to bend theintermediate insulating product so as to form a complete polygonalcross-section.
 22. A derivative insulated ductwork product as claimed inclaim 20 and secured along a joining edge by a strip of adhesive tapeapplied along the joining edges of what was the intermediate insulationproduct.
 23. A derivative insulated ductwork product according to claim20, wherein the derivative insulated ductwork product comprises asection of ductwork.
 24. A section of ductwork comprising the derivativeinsulated product of claim
 20. 25. A ductwork system comprising two ormore sections of ductwork in accordance with claim 23 or and one or moreconnecting devices, the connecting devices comprising: a first fittingmember having an open end for accepting an end of the first section ofductwork; wherein the other end of the first fitting member is connectedto a side of a first flange member which projects outwardly from thefirst fitting member; and a second fitting member having an open end foraccepting an end of the second section of ductwork; wherein the otherend of the second fitting member is connected to a side of a secondflange member which projects outwardly from the second fitting member;and an internal throughbore which provides a sealed passageway for fluidto travel from a throughbore of the first ductwork, through saidinternal throughbore and into a throughbore of the second ductwork. 26.A ductwork system according to claim 25, wherein first and secondfitting members of the connecting devices comprise respective first andsecond annular rings.
 27. A ductwork system according to claim 26,wherein the first and second annular rings of the connecting deviceseach comprise a substantially constant inner diameter and asubstantially constant outer diameter.
 28. A ductwork system accordingto claim 25, wherein the said flange member(s) of the connecting devicesproject radially outwardly from the respective first and second fittingmembers.
 29. A ductwork system according to claim 25, wherein the outerdiameter of the respective first and second fitting member contacts theinner diameter of the respective ductwork section and said respectiveside of the flange member is arranged into abutting contact with the endof the respective ductwork section.
 30. A ductwork system according toclaim 25, wherein the first and second fitting members further comprisea securing component which acts between the fitting members and therespective ductwork section to prevent separation of the ductworksection from the fitting member in a direction away from the flangemember.
 31. A ductwork system according to claim 30, wherein thesecuring component comprises one or more barb member(s) which point in adirection toward the respective flange member.
 32. A ductwork systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the first and second fitting members eachcomprise the same outer diameter.
 33. A ductwork system according toclaim 25, wherein the first and second fitting members each comprisedifferent outer diameters.
 34. A ductwork system according to claim 25,wherein the first and second flange members project outwardly from thefirst and second fitting members by a distance substantially equal tothe sidewall thickness of the ductwork section.
 35. A ductwork systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the first and second flange memberscomprise opposite faces of the same flange.
 36. A ductwork systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the first and second flange memberscomprise a pair of longitudinally spaced apart flanges. 37-40.(canceled)